Harvesters have similar guide bars and saw chains to those found in chainsaws. The saw chains require lubrication. In May 2024, Metsä Group’s contract entrepreneurs switched to vegetable oil-based or synthetic and biodegradable chain oils instead of fossil oils.
Harvesters apply an agent on freshly cut stumps which prevents rot fungi spreading through the stump and roots into the ground and the surrounding living trees. Urea is commonly used as a treatment agent. Its production involves the use of natural gas. When dissolving, urea releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Stump treatment is required when the average diurnal temperature is above 0 °C.
In May 2024, Metsä Group’s contract entrepreneurs began to use the biological and organic Rotstop product for stump treatment. The product contains Phlebiopsis gigantea, which will start growing in the stump, preventing root rot spreading into the stump. The use of Phlebiopsis gigantea as a biological disinfection treatment is based on competition between species. Urea will continue to be used in some harvester models because of technical reasons to comprehensively ensure the feasibility of Phlebiopsis gigantea in different conditions.
We want to improve the state of the environment by using more environmentally friendly products while reducing our fossil carbon dioxide emissions. According to our estimate based on our harvesting volumes, discontinuing the use of urea will reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from our harvesting operations by an amount corresponding to the annual emissions of around one thousand diesel cars.